How to Crochet a Horse or Unicorn Toy

Here's a great free crochet pattern that shows how to make a crocheted horse or unicorn - either is sure to be popular with the younger horsey set in your family!

Horse or Unicorn Crochet Pattern

Materials List:

Knitting worsted weight yarn

8 oz. main color, MC

7 oz. of contrasting color, CC

Quilting thread

4 (1/2") flat buttons

crochet hook size G

Tapesty needle

Stitch Markers

Fiberfill

6x6" piece of cardboard

2 (5/8") half-round shank black buttons OR 2 (15mm) Wiggley Eyes

Copyright 2005 Allfreecrafts.comDo not reprint or copy except for personal use. Please see our Terms of Service for more information.

Crocheted Horse or Unicorn Pattern

Instructions:

HORSE and UNICORN:

Legs: Make 4

Do not join rounds. Mark the first stitch of eachround (a safety pin makes a good marker).With Leg ColorRnd 1: Ch 2, 6 sc in 2nd ch from hook (6sc)Rnd 2: 2 sc in ea sc around. (12 sc)Rnd 3: Repeat Rnd 2. (24 sc)Rnd 4: (sc in next 4 sc, 2 sc in next sc) 4 times, sc in each of next 3 sc, 2 sc in next sc.. (29sc)Rnd 5: (sc in next 5 sc, 2 sc in next sc) 4 times, sc in each of next 4 sc, 2 sc in next sc. (34sc)Rnd 6: Working in Back Loops, for this round only, sc in each st around.Rnd 7: Sc in ea sc around.Rnd 8: Repeat Round 7.Rnd 9: (sc in next 7 sc, sc dec over next 2 sc) 3 times, sc in each of next 5 sc,sc dec over next 2 sc. (30sc) Rnd 10: Repeat Rnd 7Rnds 11: (Sc in each of next 5 sc, sc dec over next 2 sc) 4 times,sc in each of next 2 sc (26 sc)Rnds 12-14: Repeat Rnd 7. At end of Rnd 14, fasten off.Rnd 15: With Main Color, join, and sc in each sc aroundsc in ea sc around. (52 sc)Rnds 16 & 17: Repeat Rnd7.Rnd 18: Sc in each of next 5 sc, (sc dec over next 2 sc, sc in each of next 5 sc) 3 times (19sc)Rnds 19-27: Repeat Rnd 7.Rnds 28: (Sc in each of next 4 sc, sc dec over next 2sc) 3 times, sc in each of next 3sc, sc dec over next 2sc. (19sc)Rnd 29: Repeat Rnd 7Rnd 30: (Sc in each of next 3 sc, dec 1 sc over next 2 sc) 3 times, sc in each of next 4sc (16 sc)Rnd 31: Repeat Rnd 7.Stuff bottom of hoof area of leg firmly and remaining leg lightly.Rnd 32: (Sc in each of next 3 sc, sc dec over next 2 sc) 3 times, sc in next sc. (13 sc)Rnd 33: Repeat Rnd 7Rnd 34: Sc in ech of next 2sc, sc dec over next 2sc, (sc in next sc, sc dec over next 2sc) 3 times (9sc)Rnd 35: (Sc in next sc, sc dec over next 2 sc) 3 times, sl st in next st, leaving a length of yarn, fasten off (6sc)With remaining length, sew opening closedWeave in end.

Head:

Rnds 1 - 5: With MC repeat rnds 1 - 5 of leg.Rnds 6: Sc in next sc, 2 sc in next sc, (sc in each of next 7 sc, 2 sc n next sc) 4 times (39sc)Rnd 7: Sc in each sc aroundRnds 8 -9: Repeat Rnd 7Rnd 10: Sc in each of next 2sc, 2 sc in next sc, (sc in each of next 8 sc, 2 sc in next sc) 4 times. (44sc)Rnds 11-25: Repeat Rnd 7.Rnd 26: Sc in each of next 2 sc, (sc in each of next 4 sc, sc dec over next 2 sc) 7 times (37sc)Rnd 27: Sc in next sc, (sc in each of next 2 sc, sc dec over next 2 sc) 9 times. (28sc)Rnd 28: Sc in next sc, (sc in next sc, sc dec over next 2 sc) 9 times (19sc)Stuff head with fiberfill.Rnd 29: Sc in next sc, (sc dec over next 2 sc) 9 times, sl st in next st, leaving a length of yarn, fasten off.With remaining length, sew opening closed

Ears Back: Make 2

Row 1: With MC ch 7, sc in 2nd chain from hook, sc in each rem ch across.(6sc) turn.Row 2: Ch 1, sc in each sc across, turn.Row 3: Ch 1, sc in each of next 5 sc, turn.Row 4: Ch 1, sc in each of next 4 sc, turn.Row 5: Ch 1, sc in each of next 3 sc, turn.Row 6: Ch 1, sc in each of next 2 sc, do not turn.Row 7: Sc evenly sp around outer edge, working 3 sc in each of the bottom corners of ear, sl st in next sc, leaving a length of yarn, fasten off.Ears Front: Make 2

Rnds 1-5: With MC repeat Rnds 1-5 of leg. (34sc)Rnd 6: (Sc in each fo next 5 sc, 2 sc in next sc) 5 times, sc in each of next 3 sc,2 sc in next sc. (40sc)Rnd 7: Sc in each of next 5 sc, (2sc in next sc, sc in each fo next 4 sc) 7 times. (47sc)Rnd 8: Sc in each sc around.Rnds 9-17: Repeat Rnd 8.Rnd 18: Sc in each of next 2 sc, (sc in each fo next 7 sc, sc dec over next 2 sc) 5 times.Rnd 19: Sc in each of next 2 sc, (sc in each of next 6 sc, sc dec over next 2 sc) 5 times. (37 sc)Rnds 20-29: Repeat Rnd 8.Rnd 30: Sc in next sc, (sc in each of next 2sc, sc dec over next 2 sc) 9 times. (28 sc)Rnds 31 & 32: Repeat Rnd 8.Stuff body with fiberfill.Rnd 33: (Sc in each of next 2sc, sc dec over next 2 sc) 7 times. (21sc)Rnd 34: (Sc in next sc, sc dec over next 2 sc) 7 times. (14 sc)Rnd 35: Sc dec over next 2 sc, (sc in each of next 2 sc, sc dec over next 2 sc ) 3 times, sl st n next st. leaving a length of yarn, fasten off.With remaining length, sew opening closed.

Neck:

Rnd 1: With MC ch 42, using care not to twist chain, sl st to join in beg ch to form a ring, sc in each ch around. (42sc)Rnd 2: Sc in each sc around.Rnds 3-6: Repeat Rnd 2Rnd 7: (Sc in each of next 5 sc, sc dec over next 2 sc) 6times. (36sc)Rnd 8: Repeat Rnd 2.Rnd 9: Sc in next sc, (sc in each of next 5 sc, sc dec over next 2 sc) 5 times. (31 sc)Rnd 10: Repeat Rnd 2Rnd 11: Sc in next sc, (sc in each of next 4 sc, sc dec over next 2 sc) 5 times. ( 26sc)Rnds 12 & 13: Repeat Rnd 2.Rnd 14: Sc in each of next 2 sc, ( sc in each of next 2sc, sc dec over next 2 sc) 6 times (20sc)Rnd 15: Sc in each of next 2 sc, (sc dec over next 2 sc) 9 times, sl st in next st, leaving a length of yarn. Fasten off.Partially fill neck with fiberfill.

Assembly:

Ears:

Line up bottom edges of ear back and front, with front centered on back. With a length of MC st around both pieces. Leaving a 5 sts on head between ears, position ear between Rnds 22 and 23 of head and sew in place.

Eyes:

Thread long tapestry needle with double length of quilting thread. Working over Rnd 17 at each side of head, sew black shank buttons with several sts through the stuffing of head indenting slightly, know to secure, weave thread end into head.If using wiggly eyes, glue eyes in place using picture as placement guide.

Nose:

Thread long tapestry needle with length of MC. Working through both sides of head at Rnd 7, sew from side to side several sts indenting slightly, knot to secure, weave yarn into head.With yarn needle and length of MC using photo as guide, position head on neck, adding more stuffing as needed to fill any voids, pin in place until desired position is reached. Sew head to neck.Position neck on body at a slight angle so the head is upright, add stuffing in neck area as needed, pin into place until desired position, then sew in place.For hind legs, thread double long length of quilting thread, make a knot that will not pass through crocheted sections. Insert needle through the 10th Rnd from back of body, (insert the needle through approx. Rnd 32 of leg, holding a button in place at Rnd 32, insert needle back through button, leg, body and out opposite side of body) twice, pull gently to indent. Continue to pass the needle back and through legs and body from button to button secure legs, knot to secure, weave remaining length into body.For front legs, repeat the same as hind legs, securing front legs at junction of base of neck and body.

Mane & Forelock

Thread needle with long length of CC. Beg at top of head between ears, draw yarn through until there is about a 4 inch length of yarn remaining, then take a short tight st near the first loop st. (Work another 4 inch lp st, then a short tight st near the first loop st) repeat this process between ears, making 2 or 3 rows of loops and short sts from the back of neck near the ears to near the back of neck.

Tail

Working with CC cut a 10 inch length and set aside. Wrap CC around cardboard 35 times, pass the 10 inch piece under center top, knot ends to secure, remove from cardboard. Attach tail to center back of body.

Rnd 1: With white, ch 2, 6 sc in 2nd ch from hook. (6 sc)Rnd 2: (Sc in next sc, 2 sc in next sc) 3 times. (9 sc)Rnds 3-9: Sc in each sc around. At the end of Rnd 9, sl st in next st, leaving a length of yarn. Fasten off.Stuff horn with fiberfill and sew to center front of head above eyes.Weave in any ends.

Be a bunch of sweeties,

Shelia ;)

I'll leave you with a little Note Song~

Watercolour Ponies

There are watercolour poniesOn my refrigerator doorAnd the shape of something I don't really recognizeBrushed with careful little fingersAnd put proudly on displayA reminded to us all of how time fliesSeems an endless mound of laundryAnd a stairway laced with toysGives a blow by blow reminder of the warThat we fight for their well-beingFor their greater understandingTo impart a holy reverence for the LordChorusBut baby, what will we doWhen it comes back to me and youThey look a little less like little boys every dayOh the pleasure of watchin' the children growin'Is mixed with a bitter cupOf knowin' the watercolour poniesWill one day ride awayAnd the vision can get so narrowAs you view thru your tiny worldAnd little victories can go by with no applauseBut in the greater evaluationAs they fly from your nest of loveMay they mount up with wings as eagles for His cause~ sung by Wayne Watson

Miss Sheila....I LOVE LOVE LOVE IT! I'm sooo going to pass this along to my Momma. I don't crochet (can't get the hang of it!) and I don't knit either...but my mom can and she is going to flip out over this!

What a sweet little pony. And speaking of music, we just moved my MIL's piano over to our house and my daughter is really enjoying learning to play it. I figured she was too old to be interested but she loves music.

Oh...he is so cute!! He reminds me of the little pony my daughter carried around with her when she was little. It was made of baby blanket fabric with the satin trim. It became dog earred but I saved it. Carter will always treasure this!!

If you decide to add the mesh to your tree it's really easy. I know there are probably several ways to do it. I just scrunch it and wrap a tree branch around it to secure it. Fluff out the mesh, scrunch and wrap again...repeat all around the tree. Ok, that probably didn't make sense. I will try to do a tutorial when I redecorate the tree with the green mesh next week.

Happy Pink Saturday Sheila Sweetie...What a gorgeous share and I simply adore this pastel colored pony of love. Carter is going to LOVE this pony. Lots of lovin going to happen at the site of this pony when it gets opened for the holidays. I love it. A precious pattern. Can't wait to see the pictures when Pony gets opened for Christmas.

Happy Pink Saturday sweetie. Have a beautiful weekend. Country hugs and much love, Sherry

Oh this little pony is absolutely ADORABLE, Shelia, and thanks for sharing the pattern!!! Carter will LOVE it, I'm sure!.. I thought the song was sweet too. I've never heard of this one before.. Hope you and yours are enjoying the weekend! ~tina

Awwwww, Shelia, Your pony is the cutest little toy ever. You ARE talented my dear friend. I mean it from my heart. I have to say the instruction are 'Greek' to me. HA! Baby Carter will love it all of her life because her grandma made it for her.

I do hope you are feeling better Shelia. If you need a big smile, come over to see my pink today.

Oh Shelia..she is the sweetest little pony I have ever seen..so soft looking for baby Carter!! They eyes are PERFECT! I have not crocheted in years and years. And..YES..you are so good at that..not to mention everything else. Piano, crochet, decorating, tablescapes..cooking..and certainly traveling! :) You are just a little whirlwind of activity even when you are not up to par! DO take care..ok??Much love,Mona

Absolutely adorable! Shelia I haven't crocheted in years.. maybe if things slow down a bit I'll take it up again... Thank you so much for your sweet comment about the shop, it means the world.. hugs ~lynne~

Oh Shelia, Absolutely beautiful. You talented gal. Your little Carter is going to love this. I have already printed the directions and will try to make one for my grandchild. Thanks you so much for sharing. So cute. . .Hugs, Karie

Happy Sunday Shelia *hugs*I love that pony! Thank you so much for sharing the pattern also. Your little Carter is going to adore that little pony. What a lovely grandmother you are. Now will you give it to her for Christmas or just one of those little special gifts.Hope you have a great dayJudi

Shelia,What an adorable little pony!!! Little Carter isn't going to let that little pony out of her sight! Appears to be the perfect size for squeezing tight! You are a very talented lady, indeed. As I saw the instructions...to me...it was as if I were trying to read a foreign language! Ha!Fondly,Pat

Shelia, I have just scrolled through these recent post, and I can see what a lucky little girl Carter is. This horse and the frog are just as cute as can be, and will be so much more special because of the love that went into making them. I also loved the photo of Chloe Dawn in the shadows. Sorry you haven't been feeling well. Hope you are back to normal very soon. laurie

Hi Shelia!I saw your pony featured over at Honey's and thought it was the cutest darn thing ever! I know your little Carter is going to love it! Girlfriend are you ever talented! Is there anything you can't do? *winks* And I hope you're feeling better now. Vanna